Solving Sludge and Odor Issues with Advanced Lagoon Aeration

CHALLENGE

Extended periods of mismanagement from previous owners left the facility and the wastewater treatment system in disarray. Equipment with poor mixing capabilities and frequent mechanical failure allowed sludge to build up in the lagoon to an extraordinary level, with visible islands across the landscape of the lagoon surface. Poor mixing caused the excessive settling, dramatically decreasing the Hydraulic Retention Time (H RI) and, subsequently, the treatment efficiency of the lagoon system. This put the system at risk to violate permit effluent requirements. Poor aeration capacity, largely due to frequent mechanical failure, allowed hydrogen sulfide production to occur, causing significant odor problems.

SOLUTION

It was obvious the facility was in need of immediate assistance. The Aire-02 Triton® offered the mixing to move the sludge, oxygen to prevent the odors, and reliability to keep the system working. Leveraging past experience with the vineyard and working through a very busy crush period for the organization, the vineyard and Aeration Industries International were able to move at a fast pace. Aeration Industries was able to ship the equipment, suggest a reliable contracting option for installation, and mobilize a technician to assist with installation and start-up. In addition, a member of the process engineering team from Aeration Industries

RESULTS

Within six weeks of installing the Aire-02 Triton®, sludge was reduced 17% and a distinct flow pattern to be used for further sludge management was identified. Dissolved oxygen levels continually increased, and odor was controlled. The results illustrate opportunity to significantly improve sludge management to continue to achieve the primary objectives. It also suggests opportunity to improve upon the original design approach as a permanent solution and leverage it beyond its original capacity for future expansion. These results ultimately prevented violations and allowed the vineyard to focus on what they do best… make wine.

Newterra specializes in customized wastewater treatment solutions for various industries. Contact us today to explore how we can help your facility achieve compliance, efficiency, and sustainability.